Neoblade 45′

As I walk through the deserted streets, the only sound is the distant hum of automated drones flying. The sky is a deep shade of crimson, a warning sign of the danger that lurks around every corner.

The city is shrouded in darkness, with only the occasional flicker of light from a streetlamp or an electrical billboard to guide my way. It's like I'm walking through a labyrinth, with no way out and no escape from the all-seeing eyes of the government.

Everywhere I look, there are neon-lighted advertisements battling for space. It's like I can't escape their gaze, even in the darkness of the night.

Far away, I hear the distant sound of a loud group of boys, echoing through the silent streets. They are the ones who back this oppressive regime, with an indoctrination since their birth. At age four a mandatory join in preschool is necessary, and the first time they write their name is on the party member application. Now, in their teenage years, many of them roam the streets at night, shouting, racing the empty roads up and down. This way they detect suspicious activity, which is walking down the block if they want to make an arrest. They have full permission to take action against these jaywalking "threads", if they're bored you might end up arrested by them. But I am home soon so I have nothing to fear if I hurry.

The air is thick with the scent of fear and distrust, as people huddle in their homes, afraid to get caught by the racing teenage boys. All living in a state of constant paranoia, never knowing who we can trust or who is watching us.

I shiver, feeling the weight of the oppressive regime bearing down on me. It's like I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle of surveillance and control, with no hope of escape. Down the road, I hear the humming sound of a car slowly going full speed. My apartment is another two minutes further down the street. I turn- and already see their light getting brighter every second. Lead by fear I stumble into a dark side street. Here I never was before, fast I duck behind a trash container - and hear the shouting boys racing past me! This was more risky than it should be. The thought of living like this for the rest of my life is suffocating.